"He's Old and Gnarly" Bill the Goat U.S. Naval Academy

Fall 1955. Two midshipmen in crisp white Navy letterman jackets stand flanking one of the most celebrated animals in American sports history — Bill the Goat, the beloved mascot of the United States Naval Academy, wearing his Navy helmet and looking entirely unbothered by the camera.

Bill the Goat has been the Naval Academy's mascot since 1893, when a live goat named El Cid was brought to the Army-Navy Game by officers of the USS New York — and Navy won 6-3. The goat was immediately adopted as a symbol of good luck. Every goat since has carried the name Bill, each one more legendary than the last.

And then there is the song. Set to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic and performed by the Naval Academy Band, it goes like this: The goat is old and gnarly and he's never been to school, but he can take the bacon from the worn out Army mule. He's had no education but he's brimmin' full of fight, and Bill will feed on Army mule tonight!

This is that goat. Fall 1955. Brimming full of fight.

Go Navy.